REDLANDS >> Participating in a Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning seemed to help some people justify indulging in the inevitable feast later.

“Now we can eat without guilt,” said Emily Drinkwine, 34, of Yucaipa, who came in fifth in her age group in the women’s division of the 5K, finishing in 27:34. Drinkwine, a teacher at Montessori School in Redlands, ran with a handful of her school’s running club students and parent supporters.

“We were interested in doing this as a fun way to support local charities. It’s important for young girls and boys to have healthy role models in their lives, and to show them that moderate exercise and healthy eating is a key to longevity,” Drinkwine said. “What a great way to start this Thanksgiving Day, to run with friends and family, and be cheering for them at the finish line.”

Nearly 1,100 people ran either in the 1K Fun Run around Sylvan Park, or the extended 5K race that went along Sylvan Boulevard, up along Grove Street, around the University of Redlands via Brockton Avenue and University Street, and concluding back at Sylvan Park.

The 5K had 311 men and 484 women registered.

Registration fees from the event, organized by Phoenix-based Phoenix Hope International, benefit YouthHope, an organization that assists more than 1,100 homeless youth in Redlands; Redlands Educational Partnership Foundation (REP), which provides funds for educational programs within the Redlands school district; and the food bank of Inland Harvest.

The sheer number of people at the Turkey Trot surprised Francis Wiley, president of Redlands Round Table, which provides financial support to YouthHope and REP.

“I had no idea how big this was going to be,” said Wiley, who helped distribute T-shirts to runners. “This is pretty impressive. If it’s this big this year, it will probably be even bigger next year.

“Events like this are so wonderful,” Austin-Brecher said. “We’re so excited that this is such a great opportunity to get our name out there, and that the community is really helping support us on the eve of the opening of our drop-in center” for homeless youth.

Runners received a registration discount for bringing along canned goods to donate to Inland Harvest.

“The support has been awesome,” said Matt Sommer, volunteer coordinator with Phoenix Hope International. “There’s been lots of regional participation, a lot of families, and we doubled the number of runners from last year,” when the inaugural Turkey Trot took place.

Sommer’s wife, Nellie, is the daughter of REP founder and school board member Donna West, who was volunteering at the event. REP stands to receive nearly $5,000 as a result of the funds raised Thursday.

“It’s such an enthusiastic crowd. It’s great to see so many families, children — dogs — the support from the community on Thanksgiving has been wonderful,” West said. “I’m so impressed with all of the support.”

REP president Mallory Mudge, 54, of Redlands participated in the 5K with her family: husband, Devin, 55, ran competitively, finishing at 28:07; in-laws Ken, 81, finished at 53:46 and Le Ora Mudge, 78, had a time of 55:07, both finishing first in their age group. Sons Daniel, 21, and Jacob, 18, tagged in at 55:30, right behind their mother, Mallory. Mudge, who an hour earlier had been volunteering at the registration booth, walked across the finish line at 55:29.

“We participated because it directly supports REP, and because it was enjoyable,” Mudge said.

Sandra Bentley, 45, of Riverside finished in 58:53, having walked with Lisa Hollinger, 45, a Rotary Club of Redlands member from Calimesa, who participated in her first Turkey Trot.

“I like the fact that it’s giving back to the community, but it’s also helping to make up for another 5K I promised to participate in” for a friend, who she promised to run for.

Anthony Gilfillen, 28, visiting from Atlanta, discovered the day before that his family had signed him up to participate in the run. Most of them finished ahead of his 52:16 time, but it wasn’t bad considering that he wasn’t as prepared as they may have been.

“When they told me I was doing this on Thanksgiving, I was like, OK, I guess I’m going for a run this morning,” Gilfillen said.

Another runner who vicariously signed up via a family member was Len Parine, 67, of Tacoma, Wash. He managed to beat his daughter, Susanne DeJong, 35, of Redlands, who concluded with a time of 29.20, while Parine finished with 27:17.

“I haven’t run a race in two-and-a-half years,” Parine said. “The 5K is the right distance for me. Just not the right time of day,” as the 5K started before 9 a.m.

Austin Mascorro, 24, of Redlands, who lost 80 pounds in the past year or so working at Jersey Mike’s Subs, was thrilled to be able to finish with a time of 28:47.

“It was fun and friendly in beautiful Redlands, California. You can’t really ask for more than that,” Mascorro said. “I was able to complete it in under 29 minutes, which is a personal best for me. I feel healthier than I’ve ever been, and it’s great to meet people and be involved in the community.”

Dan Bruch, 45, of Redlands, entered the 5K with his daughter, Micaela, 9.

“It was a great event, well-organized, and we like the fact that the event solicits donations that go toward helping the needy during the holidays,” Bruch said. “This is the second year we have run in this. We enjoy the physical activity before a day of relaxing and feasting.”

Bruch finished with a time of 31:57, while Micaela finished ahead of him at 28:33.

Plymouth Village’s executive director, Keith Kasin, 49, and his 19-year-old daughter, Courtney, ran in Kasin’s first race in over a year, having recovered from a running injury.

“I always run on Thanksgiving morning, but have never run in an organized Turkey Trot,” Kasin said. “Usually I’m out on the hills and trails along Sunset” in Redlands, “but I could not pass up the invite from Courtney” to participate in this year’s event. “We crossed her first half-marathon together just after her 12th birthday. Today, she got me back to a starting line. That is family and Thanksgiving at its best.”

The 5K was won by Gabriel Kane of San Bernardino with a time of 17:42. In second place was Danny Schimpp, 43, of Redlands with a time of 17:45, followed by Redlands runner Michael Puchalski, 23, with a time of 17:57.

The first girl to cross the finish line was 11-year-old Jennifer Lopez of Redlands who finished with a time of 20:20; in second place for the women’s race was Caitlin Miller, 14, of Loma Linda, with a time of 21:03; followed by Rebecca Durant, 26, of San Diego, who crossed the finish line at 21:16.